Jebel Akhdar (Oman)

Not to be confused with Jebel Akhdar, Libya.

The Jebel Akhdar, Jabal Akhdar or Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Arabic: الجبل الأخضر‎ meaning "the Green Mountain"), is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range in Oman, which extends about 300 km (186 mi) northwest to southeast, between 50–100 km (31–62 mi) inland from the Gulf of Oman coast. It is one of Oman’s most spectacular areas. The highest point, Jabal Shams (Mountain of the Sun), is around 3,000 metres (around 9,800 feet) high. It is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. It comprises the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains range, and is located around 150 km (93 mi) from Muscat.

Terraces of the Jebal Akhdar

The range is mostly desert, but at higher altitudes it receives around 300 mm (12 in) of precipitation annually, moist enough to allow the growth of shrubs and trees and support agriculture. It is this that gives the mountains their 'green' name.[1] Cool summers provide the visitor with fresh air surrounded by breathtaking stones.

The area is about a 45 minute drive from Nizwa and is famous for its traditional rose water extraction and agricultural products including pomegranate, apricot, peach and walnut. The Jebel is mostly inhabited by the ancient Arab tribe Bani Riyam (al Riyamy). Most descendants of the tribe are now in nearby towns such as Nizwa and Izki; some inhabit Ibra.

Between 1957 and 1959, the area became a site of the Jebel Akhdar War, a conflict between Omani forces loyal to the sultan of Oman (aided by British soldiers, including the Special Air Service) and Saudi Arabian-backed rebel forces of the inland Imamate of Oman.

In August 2011, Sultan Qaboos designated Jebel Akhdar a nature reserve in a bid to conserve its unique yet fragile biodiversity. A decree issued by the Royal Court established the ‘Jebel Akhdar Sanctuary for Natural Sceneries’.

Since 2011, the mountain has featured as the principal climb in the Tour of Oman road bicycle race.[2] In the area several important rock art sites, whose oldest figures date back to 6000 years ago, have been discovered and studied.[3]

Notes

See also

References

  1. ↑ Andrea Schulte-Peevers; Iain Shearer. Oman. Lonely Planet. p. 222.
  2. ↑ Puddicombe, Stephen. "Tour of Oman 2015 preview". Cycling Weekly. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  3. ↑ Fossati, Angelo Eugenio. "Rock Art in Jebel Akhdar, Sultanate of Oman, first overview and state of research, TRACCE Online Rock Art Bulletin". Retrieved 29 August 2015.

External links

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Coordinates: 23°06′N 57°24′E / 23.1°N 57.4°E / 23.1; 57.4

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